ChiefBEM

Sorry have no pictures of Isaan as never been yet but heres one of the girls at home in Buriram

attachment

by the way, is it ok to post pictures found on the net of Isaan? I've spent hours lately browsing and found some really great photos

Actually, if you are in Buriram, you are in Issan.

Actually, the US Army required it members to submit a form "Request Approval/Authorization to Marry a Foreign National" and get approval.

If the form was not submitted or not approved and a soldier married a foreign national, the soldier would face a wide range of discipline options including a Courts-martial.

The government did not like members of my units fraternizing let alone getting married to foreign nationals.

The units that we were assigned to in Southeast Asia and several other parts of the world, were cover units.

We were actually in the Army Security Agency.

The Army Security Agency was tasked by the National Security Agency.

When I married a Thai girl, my Top Secret Clearance was suspended and I lost access to our work.

After the US Government conducted a Special Background Investigation on my wife I was given a waiver to go back to work based on we would not travel to Thailand and my wife would become a US Citizen as soon as possible.

That was back in 1970 - 71.

After two assignments in Vietnam, I requested Japan and they sent me to Bangkok.

I was 21 years old.

In September 1968, I was sent Temporary Duty (TDY) to our small detachment in Ubon Ratchathani for 60 days.

In 1970, after several months of threats, the U.S. approved my application to marry a foreign national.

I married a Thai girl in December of 1970 and was told to stop working and wait for orders.

Then they forgot about me.

My wife's visa for the U.S. was about to expire so I made a phone call and we left Thailand 5 days later on July 30, 1971.

My wife returns to Ubon Ratchathani almost every year.

I go with her about every other year.

We have 3 daughters, 3 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, and .... 3 son-in-laws.

I know another guy just like you came here from the vietnam war ,had a heck of a job to be allowed to get married ,was told it would never last ,he comes to the bar now and again in the afternoon for a drink ,and sometimes brings his wife ,still waiting for it 'not to last ' 40 odd years later.

After two assignments in Vietnam, I requested Japan and they sent me to Bangkok.

I was 21 years old.

In September 1968, I was sent Temporary Duty (TDY) to our small detachment in Ubon Ratchathani for 60 days.

In 1970, after several months of threats, the U.S. approved my application to marry a foreign national.

I married a Thai girl in December of 1970 and was told to stop working and wait for orders.

Then they forgot about me.

My wife's visa for the U.S. was about to expire so I made a phone call and we left Thailand 5 days later on July 30, 1971.

My wife returns to Ubon Ratchathani almost every year.

I go with her about every other year.

We have 3 daughters, 3 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, and .... 3 son-in-laws.

"bitcoinbob, on 23 May 2013 - 00:19, said:

keep thai passport, once you give it up thai officials vindictive if you ever want to get it back. bunch of thais came to work in u.s. got american passporst, gave up thai now retired and have been trying for years to get back there thai passport not happening."

Thailand accepts the U.S. Laws on Dual-Citizenship of previous Thai Citizens.

All the people you mentioned have to do, in order to regain their Thai Passport, is renounce their U.S. Citizenship and after that Thailand will accept them back as Thai Citizens and issue them Thai passports so they can leave the U.S. or apply for U.S. visas.

keep thai passport, once you give it up thai officials vindictive if you ever want to get it back. bunch of thais came to work in u.s. got american passporst, gave up thai now retired and have been trying for years to get back there thai passport not happening.

???????

This is just a bit of heads-up when it comes to United States Passports.

The United States Immigration and Naturalization laws prohibit Dual-Citizenship of a "Naturalized"

U.S. Citizen when it is with a previous country of which they have heretofore been a subject or citizen.

It is a violation of the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America

Technically, a Naturalized U.S. Citizen would lose their U.S. Citizenship for violating their

Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America if they maintained

a passport from a previous country of which they have heretofore been a subject or citizen

and the U.S. charged them.

(Note: Today, President Obama’s Administration acts sporadic when it comes to the enforcement

of Immigration laws.)

Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America

Oath

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all

allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty,

of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that

I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of

America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith

and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United

States when required by the law; that I will perform

noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by

the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian

direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely

without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

When requested, the U.S. will allow a modification of the Naturalization

Oath to eliminate "so help me God."

Again, President Obama’s Administration acts sporadic when it comes to the enforcement of Immigration

laws.

I don't understand why China's stance in its own backyard (with aircraft carriers etc) should be construed as "aggressive." Imagine if the Chinese navy started cruising in international waters off Washington, Oregon and California.

This map highlights why governments in Hanoi, Manila, KL, Brunei would beg to differ with your denial of Chinese aggressive maritime claims & tactics in the South China Sea. Recent activities continue a longer term trend in this area as the Chinese seized the Paracel Islands from S. Vietnam in 1974 (about 80 killed and 8 navy ships sunk or badly damaged), fought a naval engagement off the Spratlys in 1988 (about 70 dead and 3 ships sunk/badly damaged), and have occupied various reefs and islands around the Spratlys despite stronger claims by Vietnam and the Philippines.

For a seriously academic rebuttal of China's 9 Dashes claim to the South Chin Sea see below:

http://www.eurasiare...ash-claim-oped/

So that's quite a backyard claimed by China.

On the subject of aircraft carriers, their primary function is force projection beyond the range of national air bases, hence they have little real purpose within China's backyard so why do they need them unless they have ambitions on a "blue-water" navy? (see articles below). Unless you think they are just being built as ridiculous showpieces like the RTN's carrier (with no planes!)

http://www.nytimes.c...?pagewanted=all

http://www.foreignpo...blue_water_navy

http://www.washingto...0092404767.html

China's changing stance best summed up in this quote:

"With our naval strategy changing now, we are going from coastal defense to far sea defense,” Rear Adm. Zhang Huachen, deputy commander of the East Sea Fleet, said in an interview with Xinhua, the state news agency.

This is interesting and informative (and by now way off topic!), but at the end of the day a claim is merely that...a claim. And these days it is rare for claims to be enforced by invasion (Japan and the Russians have been beating drums for years over the Kurile Islands for ex).

In the old days of empire, you'd "send a gunboat". And trample all over the territory you were "claiming". The hideous crap that the Belgians imposed on the natives of the Congo (in the Heart of Darkness) has left ramifications that are with us today.

But at the end of the day, as far as I know, Chinese imperialism (the highest form of capitalism, as Lenin rightly called it) has refrained from invading anyone (other than Tibet and some incursions on the border with India). Like the American imperialists, they are using trade as their major weapon, especially in Africa....

Sorry....Mr Mod, I am sure you will soon erase this...so, I promise to stop here.

Actually, the Chinese (prior to the creation of The People's Republic of China) have a long history of aggression. Please check Chinese History.

In 1980, they even invaded Vietnam!

The PRC was upset and decided to teach the Vietnamese a lesson.

The invasion was short lived.

The lesson was also short lived.

The Vietnamese provided no resistance until the Chinese were aprox 40km inside of Vietnam.

Then massive Vietnam forces encircled the Chinese forces.

The Chinese losses have not been confirmed but they were in the thousands in a very short period of time.

The Chinese retreated back to china.

What a rubbish editorial which is based almost entirely on the highly unlikely and improbable idea that in the future there will be a US - China conflict. I think its safe to say that neither nation is stupid enough to engage in that idea as any conflict would be result in loses for both the winner and loser that would be far greater than the benefits of victory.

If I may, let me provide some facts which support why a major US - China conflict will not happen.

The number one country that China exports to is the US.

China exports more to the US than the next 20 countries listed combined.

Over 60% of manufactured items sold in the US are Made in China.

China holds over $1,000,000,000. In US Treasury Notes.

Regardless of the political differences between the US and China, the US is the primary customer for China products.

Without the US, China's total economy would go into a tailspin to a deep and dark pit.

Also, without Chinese products, the people in the US would have to open new manufacturing plants and / or ramp up long closed production lines and pay 3 and 4 times what the Chinese products were selling for.

Not an ideal partnership.

But breaking up would not be a good thing for the US, China, or the rest of the world.

OOPS!!!

Not enough zeros.

China holds over $1,000,000,000,000. In US Treasury Notes.

That is over 1 Trillion Dollars in US Treasury Notes.

Over 31 Trillion Baht!

What a rubbish editorial which is based almost entirely on the highly unlikely and improbable idea that in the future there will be a US - China conflict. I think its safe to say that neither nation is stupid enough to engage in that idea as any conflict would be result in loses for both the winner and loser that would be far greater than the benefits of victory.

If I may, let me provide some facts which support why a major US - China conflict will not happen.

The number one country that China exports to is the US.

China exports more to the US than the next 20 countries listed combined.

Over 60% of manufactured items sold in the US are Made in China.

China holds over $1,000,000,000. In US Treasury Notes.

Regardless of the political differences between the US and China, the US is the primary customer for China products.

Without the US, China's total economy would go into a tailspin to a deep and dark pit.

Also, without Chinese products, the people in the US would have to open new manufacturing plants and / or ramp up long closed production lines and pay 3 and 4 times what the Chinese products were selling for.

Not an ideal partnership.

But breaking up would not be a good thing for the US, China, or the rest of the world.

After living in Asian countries/cultures for over 40 years, it remains amazing to me how so many expats are so bitter, ilinformed, and lack tne motivation to find the truth in any situation.

However, the lack of truth and the lack of knowledge does not keep these few expats from attempting to influence others based on their individual bias.

US prisons have the best healthcare, hobby shops, libraries, education system, in the world and it is FREE.

If you want the TRUTH, look it up. Below is an orientation handbook for a maximum security US Prison.

http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/haz/HAZ_aohandbook.pdf

Exactly how many people over 60 years old are either still serving a less than 3 year sentence in prison or have not started their less than 3 year sentence???

I would not be surprised if there is only 1 !!!

Guess who ?

Is Thaksin inciting the Redshirts to Violence?

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/n...s&cateid=13

"Is Thaksin inciting the Redshirts to Violence?"

Yes.

I can not speak for anyone that has English as a second language, however, for those of us that have English as a first language, the video makes it very clear in Thaksin's own words.

He is inciting mass violence.

Regards,

As long as the rural majority can be bought off for 500 Baht a vote it will be unacceptable to PAD.

It's much easier to buy a few million people's votes for 500 Baht a pop than say a few thousand Bangkokians vote for several million each... You cannot have a government elected on the back of bribery. That is not democracy.

you actually believe this ???

... get real man, they're getting paid to protest and the money is coming from illegal wood cutting and drugs trade !

this whole buying vote argument is so childish; explain this to me;

I take 1000 baht from 1 party, take 1000 baht from the second party, but actually vote for a third party ... how do you know, how do you stop it?

you're whole vote-buying argument has no value what so ever !

all it means is that you're really bad in finding excuses ...

Actually, the country folk were put on busses, taken to vote, each of them was paid an fresh new 500 baht note when they returned to the bus, then the buses took them back to the pick-up points and loaded-up another group.

This is not childish.

This is just the truth of what actually occurred during the election that put Thaksin into power, the elections to keep his party in power and the most recent elections.

The expats that live in Issan and other rural areas know this to be a fact if they were out on the streets when it happened or their Thai friends and relatives showed them the fresh new 500 baht notes.

Sorry.

Facts are facts.

Regards,

What are the options?

Option A: No one does anything.

Not good !!!

Option B: The police storm into the PAD representatives.

Not good! Many many people will not survive an armed confrontation.

Option C: Members of the Thaksin regime resign their government posts.

Maybe a good thing. The country could stop being a potential battleground.

When the TRT party was directed to be disolved and leaders were prohibited from participating in government affairs, everyone became members of the PPP party and after winning the elections controversy continued.

Also, keep in mind that the PM being Thaksin's brother-in-law does not mean that Thaksin is still influencing the government.

However, Thaksin did brag to UK news that his brother-in-law sent him a diplomatic pouch which requested that he provide a list of who should be placed into Cabinet level positions.

Option D: PM holds direct talks (across a table) to seek a resolution through compromise.

This is an unusual concept.

Option E: The Army, Navy, and Air Force lead a government coup.

Maybe the best option. However, if this happens, the military has to be prepared to place a temporary bi-particent team composed of every major political party in control of the government.

We pray that a higher power be looking over the people Thailand.

US citizen, hopefully there are some other amcits on this board that can answer these questions.

I am about to buy a condo in thailand. I will move about 260k to my thai bank account. I need a tor tor sam from the bank to show at the land office, correct ? how do I go about getting one ? just ask the bank ? is this different from the advice of transferral they give me ?

What about in the US ? Do I need to submit some form to the IRS when moving such a large amount overseas ? what if I someday want to repatriate these funds, how do I do that without having to pay tax on them again ?

Hopefully someone out there has done this before and can advise me on how to avoid the pitfalls

thanks

almasy1939,

I will PM you with the Fin104 form.

Our friend knows ....

However, for you, I would suggest you read the instructions. The instructions make the purpose of the form very clear

Part of instructions:

Section A. Person(s) on Whose Behalf Transaction(s)

Is Conducted. See instructions above.

Items 2, 3, and 4. Individual/Organization Name.

If the person on whose behalf the transaction(s) is conducted

is an individual, put his/her last name in Item 2, first

name in Item 3, and middle initial in Item 4. If there is no

middle initial, leave item 4 BLANK. If the transaction is

conducted on behalf of an entity, enter the name in Item

2 and leave Items 3 and 4 BLANK.

Item 5. Doing Business As (DBA). If the financial

institution has knowledge of a separate “doing business

as” name, enter it in Item 5. For example, if Smith

Enterprise is doing business as MJ’s Pizza, enter “MJ’s

Pizza” in item 5.

Item 6. SSN or EIN. Enter the Social Security Number

(SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

or Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the person or

entity identified in Item 2. If none, write NONE.

Items 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Address.

Enter the permanent address including ZIP Code of the person identified in

Item 2. Use the U.S. Postal Service’s two letter state

abbreviation code. A P. O. Box should not be used by

itself, and may only be used if there is no street address.

If a P. O. Box is used, the name of the apartment or suite

number, road or route number where the person resides

must also be provided. If the address is outside the

U.S., provide the street address, city, province or state,

postal code (if known), and the two letter country code.

For country code list go to www.fincen.gov/

reg_bsaforms.html or telephone 800-949-2732 and select

option number 5. If U.S., leave item 12 blank.

Item 8. Date of Birth. Enter the date of birth. Eight

numerals must be inserted for each date. The first two

will reflect the month, the second two the day, and the

last four the year. A zero (0) should precede any single

digit number. For example, if an individual’s birth date is

April 3 1948, Item 8 should read 04 03 1948.

Item 13. Occupation, profession, or business. If

known, identify the occupation, profession or business

that best describes the individual or entity in Part I (e.g.,

attorney, car dealer, carpenter, doctor, farmer, plumber,

truck driver, etc.). Do not use nondescript terms such as

businessman, merchant, store owner (unless store’s name

is provided), or self employed. If unemployed, or retired

are used enter the regular or former occupation if known.

Item 14. If an Individual, Describe Method Used To

Verify Identity. If an individual conducts the

transaction(s) on his/her own behalf, his/her identity must

be verified by examination of an acceptable document

(see General Instructions). For example, check box a if

a driver’s license is used to verify an individual’s identity,

and enter the state that issued the license and the number

in items e and f. If the transaction is conducted by an

individual on behalf of another individual not present, or

on behalf of an entity, check box “14d” “Other” and

enter “NA” on the line provided.

The 105 form is:

FOR A PERSON DEPARTING OR ENTERING THE UNITED STATES, OR A PERSON SHIPPING, MAILING, OR RECEIVING CURRENCY OR MONETARY INSTRUMENTS. (IF ACTING FOR ANYONE ELSE, ALSO COMPLETE PART II BELOW.)

t is a common known fact that USA Homeland Security does require all financial institutions (in the USA) have a form completed with infromation, provided by the person holding the account and making the transaction, that states who is taking out the funds and what the funds are for if the total amount of the transaction is in excess of $9,000.

When did this supposed requirement come into effect? I don't believe it. What about people doing repetitive wires using codes. The whole idea is to streamline each transfer with a phone call. You can't fill out a form over the phone.

The form is: FINCEN Form 104 - Currency Transaction Form.

You can find the form and additional information at the U. S. Department of Justice web site.

The current amount that requires the form is $10,000.

Below, are exerpts from the USA PATRIOT Act (H.R. 3162).

http://epic.org/privacy/terrorism/hr3162.html

TITLE III--INTERNATIONAL MONEY LAUNDERING ABATEMENT AND ANTI-TERRORIST FINANCING ACT OF 2001

Subtitle A--International Counter Money Laundering and Related Measures

Subtitle B--Bank Secrecy Act Amendments and Related Improvements

If a form is not filled out (as stated in the PATRIOT ACT and provided by the financial institution), it is categorized as smuggling. Some financial institutions will allow the person making the transaction to provide the information to the financial institution. Further information below:

"`Sec. 5332. Bulk cash smuggling into or out of the United States

`(a) CRIMINAL OFFENSE-

`(1) IN GENERAL- Whoever, with the intent to evade a currency reporting requirement under section 5316, knowingly conceals more than $10,000 in currency or other monetary instruments on the person of such individual or in any conveyance, article of luggage, merchandise, or other container, and transports or transfers or attempts to transport or transfer such currency or monetary instruments from a place within the United States to a place outside of the United States, or from a place outside the United States to a place within the United States, shall be guilty of a currency smuggling offense and subject to punishment pursuant to subsection (. "

`( PENALTY-

`(1) TERM OF IMPRISONMENT- A person convicted of a currency smuggling offense under subsection (a), or a conspiracy to commit such offense, shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years. '

It actually is dull reading!

Knock your self out dude!!!!!!!!!

Regards,

ChiefBEM

USA Intelligence Officer, Retired

Now I have to close my account on ThaiVisa.

But it was worth it just to be able to provide the "Truthful" information to those members who want to know the truth!

It is a common known fact that USA Homeland Security does require all financial institutions (in the USA) have a form completed with infromation, provided by the person holding the account and making the transaction, that states who is taking out the funds and what the funds are for if the total amount of the transaction is in excess of $9,000.

It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that funds are also tracked electronically.

However, all transactions of sums equal to or in excess of $9,000 are "Flagged" and sorted into separate file folders.

The file folders are separated based on the $ value of the transaction.

I know for a fact that a "BIG FLAG" pops-up for a transaction that is at or exceeds $250,000.

You should be ok as long as the agent on the duty desk believes your motive and the background check he runs on you comes back clean.

By the by, the rate was B25 to the US$1 until 1997.

That's true. I was recalling 15 or so years ago, it was 24-25 baht to the dollar. But then you got a lot more for your money back then.

Again, I recall back in the 60's the rate was always 21-22 baht to the US dollar.

In fact, you could get a taxi ride from one side of Bangkok to the other for just one American Apple.

The times have changed and the price of oil is as much at fault as the US economy!

US citizen, I will move about 260k to my thai bank account.

What about in the US ? Do I need to submit some form to the IRS when moving such a large amount overseas ?

almasy1939,

The US IRS will not be the challenge.

Homeland Security will be the ones that may very well contact you because of the large amount of funds.

In fact, I would almost say they will contact you for sure before you are able to transfer the funds to Thailand.

Due to the US Terrorist Act, funds in excess of $9,000 require at least Homeland Security forms to be completed at the place you have your funds. Additionally, electronically, Homeland Security monitors all transactions in excess of $9,000.

Then as long as you have something to show what the funds transfer is for I am sure that Homeland Security will not send you to a camp.

US citizen, I will move about 260k to my thai bank account.

What about in the US ? Do I need to submit some form to the IRS when moving such a large amount overseas ?

almasy1939,

The US IRS will not be the challenge.

Homeland Security will be the ones that may very well contact you because of the large amount of funds.

In fact, I would almost say they will contact you for sure before you are able to transfer the funds to Thailand.

Due to the US Terrorist Act, funds in excess of $9,000 require at least Homeland Security forms to be completed at the place you have your funds. Additionally, electronically, Homeland Security monitors all transactions in excess of $9,000.

Just wondering if any members would like to share the web addresses of bangkok/thailand escorts agencys websites. I've had a little look and could hardly find any, surely there should be loads. Only post sites with pictures of the goods please, not empty pages with a phone number on them.

cheeeeeers

Back in the 60s one did not have to look for an evening or night of companionship.

The Bars on New Petchaburi Road (Like Thai Heaven and Holiday Gardens) had the rates posted in English.

"Girl 220 Baht"

Posted Right below "Singhai 20 Baht."

Those were simple times.

............................................post infrequently because there are so many negative people posting on this forum. ................................................................................

.................., but so many people are so negative about everything.

Big Guy,

With only 2 pages of responses, your point has been proven!

Everything has seemed to stop. Recon that most members have gone to sleep.

I believe that by this time tomorrow enough negative responses will have been given to create a listing of members that can be "Charter Members" of

the New Thaivisa Forum titled

"I hate it here .. I hate it there .. Baa Humbug!!!!!!!!!"

If ThaiVisa is lacking sufficient funds for this new forum, I do believe that solicitation of current ThaiVisa Members could raise the required funds.

Regards,

*****************************************************************************

The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for

Blood plasma.

***************************************************************************

No piece of paper can be folded in half

more than seven (7) times. Oh go ahead...I'll wait...~

****************************************************************************

Donkeys kill more people annually

Than plane crashes or shark attacks. (Watch your Ass )

************************************************************************

You burn more calories sleeping

than you do watching television.

**************************************************************************

Oak trees do not produce acorns

until they are fifty (50) years of age or older.

****************************************************************************

The first product to have a bar code

was Wrigley's gum.

*************************************************************************

The King of Hearts is the only king

WITHOUT A MOUSTACHE

***************************************************************************

American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987

by eliminating one (1) olive

from each salad served in first-class.

**************************************************************************

Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.

(Since Venus is normally associated with women,what does this tell you!) *********************************************************************

Apples, not caffeine,

are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.

***********************************************************************

Most dust particles in your house are made from

DEAD SKIN!

****************************************************************************

The first owner of the Marlboro Company died of lung cancer.

So did the first " Marlboro Man."

***************************************************************************

Walt Disney was afraid

OF MICE!

**************************************************************************

PEARLS MELT

IN VINEGAR!

*********************************************************************

The three most valuable brand names on earth:

Marlboro, Coca Cola, and Budweiser, in that order.

**********************************************************************

It is possible to lead a cow upstairs...

but, not downstairs.

************************************************************************

A duck's quack doesn't echo,

and no one knows why.

************************************************************************

Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush

be kept at least six (6) feet away from

a toilet to avoid airborne particles

resulting from the flush.

(I keep my toothbrush in the living room now!)

************************************************

And the best for last.....

Turtles can breathe through their butts.

(I know some people like that, don't YOU?)

Everyone talks about the "Super Secret" Area 51.

Maybe we should be concerned about Areas 1 thru Area 50!!